Welcome to another episode of “Inside West Point: Ideas That Impact” with Brigadier General Shane Reeves. In this engaging interview, Dr. Elizabeth Samet, a professor of English at West Point and author of "Looking for the Good War: American Amnesia and the Violent Pursuit of Happiness," explores the myths and realities of World War II. With their thoughtful and nuanced discussion, they delve into topics such as the importance of educating cadets about the realities of war and its aftermath, the danger of romanticizing war, and the need for a balanced view of history. Along the way, they also touch on the role of literature in understanding human behavior and the lasting impact of World War II on American society. Whether you're a history buff or interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in world history, we hope you'll tune in and join us for this fascinating conversation!In this episode, you will learn the following:What are some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding World War II, and how can we dispel them through education and understanding?How important is education in preparing cadets for war and life beyond?Chapter Summaries;[0:00:04] Introduction of Dr. Elizabeth Samet on her Educational Background and Latest Book[0:02:23] Interview with a Professional Writer and West Point Professor[0:03:50] Dr. Samet’s Background: Father's Service in the Army Air Corps during World War II[0:05:43] Evolution of Education and Training During Wartime[0:08:08] Discussion on the Role of Literature in Understanding Human Behavior[0:09:50] A Conversation on Education, Training, and the Myth of World War II[0:11:59] The Myth of the Good War: A Conversation on America's Understanding of World War II[0:18:05] Exploring the Myth of War and the Language of Fascism: A Conversation on the Legacy of World War II[0:20:18] Exploring the Diverse Attitudes and Testimonies of World War II through Studs Terkel's Oral Histories[0:21:32] Discussion on the dangers of American Amnesia and the need for a balanced view of history[0:27:01] Discussion on the Importance of Reinvention and Balancing the Past and Future in Remembering World War II[0:28:12] Discussion on the Complexities of War and American Exceptionalism[0:33:19] Discussion on the Role of Literature and Education in Preparing Army Officers for Warfare and Beyond[0:37:45] Last Words: How to Compile a Diverse Reading ListThis episode does not imply Federal endorsement.Loved this episode? Remember to rate, review, follow, and share this podcast with others. Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Dean.USMA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usmadean Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/deanusma Website: https://www.westpoint.edu/academics

Welcome to another episode of “Inside West Point: Ideas That Impact” with Brigadier General Shane Reeves. In this episode, we sit down with Colonel John Hartke, Head of the Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering and leading Photonics expert, to discuss the Mobile Laser Project, an interdisciplinary research project being worked on by cadets and faculty at West Point.    The Mobile Laser Project aims to develop a high-energy laser that can shoot down rockets, artillery, and other threats on the battlefield. Brig. Gen. Reeves and Col. Hartke discuss the project's objectives, the equipment and trailer used, the problem-solving and troubleshooting skills required, and the benefits cadets gain from working on the project. They also mention the Photonics Research Center's work on sensors and the legal implications of using lasers for blinding. This episode provides an inside look at West Point’s interdisciplinary research.    In this episode, you will learn the following:  1. What is the mobile laser project, and what is its objective?  2. What advancements is the Photonics Research Center making in sensor technology, and how is it working to stay ahead of trends in their use on the battlefield?  3. How does West Point use interdisciplinary collaboration in laser research?    Chapter Summaries:   [00:00:23]: Introduction of the mobile laser project and its objective to develop a high-energy laser that can shoot down rockets, artillery, and other threats on the battlefield.   [00:04:41]: West Point's Photonics Research Center and High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office   [00:05:08]: Interdisciplinary collaboration at the Photonics Research Center: A discussion of lasers, optics, and photonics   [00:06:39]: Discussion on the use of lasers and sensors on the modern battlefield   [00:09:49]: Conversation on the use of miniaturized sensors and mobile laser technology in military action   [00:11:07]: Analysis of the Army's 100-kilowatt solid-state laser project   [00:13:42]: West Point cadets' innovative solutions for high-energy laser weapon systems   [00:18:07]: Interdisciplinary team successfully tests five-kilowatt laser in Bartlett Hall Basement  [00:19:35]: Troubleshooting a laser system for cadet training   [00:20:33]: Overview of laser system setup and testing at West Point   [00:23:07]: Discussion on laser weapon system for air defense artillery   [00:24:21]: Discussion on the impact of technology on warfighting and society   [00:25:49]: Discussion on laser technology in the military education system   [00:28:33]: Last thoughts on laser technology and encouraging more STEM majors to participate in the program    Resources in this episode:  Photonics Research Center- http://bit.ly/WP_PRC USMA Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering- https://bit.ly/WP_PANE Col. Hartke’s Bio- http://bit.ly/WP_JH    Thank you to the Photonics Research Lab supporters: Army Research Lab, Space and Missile Defense Command, and Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.   This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.   Loved this episode? Remember to rate, review, follow, and share this podcast with others.     Connect with us:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Dean.USMA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usmadean Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/deanusma Website: https://www.westpoint.edu/academics 

Welcome to Inside West Point: Ideas That Impact with Brigadier General Shane Reeves. In this episode, we sit down with our guest Colonel Suzanne Nielsen, the head of the Department of Social Sciences at West Point and a leading civil-military relations scholar and expert. A graduate of the United States Military Academy with a Ph.D. in political science from Harvard University, and a background as an intelligence officer, Colonel Nielsen provides insight into her research on change in military organizations, civil-military relations, and cyber policy and strategy.  We also focus on the Department of Social Sciences and the SOSH Research Lab’s work in the area of civil-military relations. The topic of civil-military relations is this year’s  annual intellectual theme for the Academic Program at West Point, entitled, “Called to Serve:  Military Leadership in a Democratic Republic.” Join us as we dive into these critical topics and  hear about Colonel Nielsen's experiences at West Point. In this episode, you will learn the following: What is the relationship between the armed forces and the society they serve? How can military expertise be connected to political and strategic thinking to achieve national interests? What are the lessons we need to teach young military officers? How is West Point leading in the area of civil-military relations? Chapter Summaries:  [00:00:26]: Introduction to Inside West Point: Ideas That Impact and focusing on the SOSH Research Lab and the Department of Social Sciences work in civil-military relations. [00:01:50]: Interview with Colonel Suzanne Nielsen, head of the Department of Social Sciences at West Point, discussing her background and research interests in the change in military organizations, civil-military relations, and cyber policy and strategy. [00:06:35]: Discussion on the importance of political awareness and the role of military activities in serving political purposes. [00:16:58]: Apolitical vs nonpartisan; advice for young officers; impact of social media; SOSH research lab; [00:20:08]: Comparison of the works of Morris Janowitz and Samuel Huntington on the professional soldier and the education of officers. [00:27:05]: Discussion on the role of values in creating an inclusive and unified military. [00:32:35] Overview of the SOSH Research Lab’s initiatives and projects, including a longitudinal survey of cadet attitudes towards civil-military relations.  Resources in this episode: Annual Intellectual Theme: bit.ly/CMRTheme   Article, “The Continuing Relevance of Morris Janowitz’s The Professional Soldier for the Education of Officers”: bit.ly/WP_SNHL Department of Social Sciences: bit.ly/WP_Sosh Sosh Research Lab: bit.ly/WP_SRLab  Loved this episode? Remember to rate, review, follow, and share this podcast with others.   Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Dean.USMA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usmadean Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/deanusma Website: https://www.westpoint.edu/academics  Disclaimer: This podcast/episode does not imply Federal endorsement. 

Join Brigadier General Shane Reeves, Dean of the United States Military Academy at West Point, as he takes you behind the scenes to explore the applied research and cross-disciplinary work being done by the Academy's scholars.   From high-energy lasers and artificial intelligence to civil-military relations and ethics, this podcast goes beyond the textbook to give you a deeper understanding of the complex issues shaping the modern battlefield. Hear directly from the experts as they make even the most complex topics accessible to a broad audience. Get inside access to West Point's work and see how it's being applied today.   Tune in for upcoming episodes by following us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on Instagram (@dean.usma), Facebook (Dean of the Academic Board-West Point), and Twitter (@DeanUSMA) for updates.   Learn more about West Point’s academic program at https://www.westpoint.edu/academics. Disclaimer: This podcast/episode does not imply Federal endorsement.